I remember the first time someone asked me about the remuneration that came with being a blogger.

My friend was holding a 3rd birthday party for her daughter and while we get along extremely well, it’s not one of those friendships where I have met, or even know any of her other friends or family members.

So, when breaking the ice in first meeting the parents, the default conversation naturally turned to occupation and professions.

It’s a pity we’re so socially stagnant these days that a self introduction inevitably ends up justifying our existence with “what we do for a living” rather than “what we live for” or even simply talk about “what we love”

Anyway, explaining to another mum that I was a blogger, immediately piqued her curiosity.

“Apologies if this is a personal question…(If you’re really sorry about it, why the hell are you continuing to ask me?)…but do you make a lot of money out of blogging?”

Ho hum.

Talk about spectacular fall from social graces.

She sensed my uncomfortable stance but having already begun digging that hole, why not get the big shovel out as well?

“I mean, you see it on TV about all these mummy bloggers being millionaires and just wondered if that was true…”

I really could’ve had fun with this one, making up all sorts of glamorous stories how I have lucrative brand ambassadorship deals while a gazillion loyal readers follow my every breath and smart, witty comments.

Alas, I’m just too bloody honest.

“Nah. I make next to nothing, “ I shrugged.

Then, as I went on to my usual spiel about how much I just love writing and connecting with lovely people, the sparkle in her eye disappeared, along with her interest.

It’s intriguing how people are so keen to find out how to make “big bucks” from something as “fluffy” as blogging. It’s not valid unless it has a price tag.

Over this past year, more sponsored and brand endorsed posts have appeared on this blog. It’s important to point out however, that none of this has been done without careful planning or being consciously aware of what would be considered “too much”

The thing is, working with brands brings opportunities beyond what’s monetary; it’s a chance to sharpen business skills while still working towards what you love.

As far as expanding writing skills and a freelance portfolio, sponsored posts can also provide that.

But at the end of the day, the biggest focus here is on you guys, all the lovely readers.

Two and a half years later and there’s still that Friday morning thrill in seeing who’s linked up for FYBF. Everyone’s coming over for (virtual) morning tea at my place and none of you seem to care about the mess! Awesome!

So, thank you for helping me create this sense of warmth and cosiness over at yea ol’ blog. This place would be barren and worthless without you.

I started doing a couple of taps into the stubborn mould when the impatient wails started:

“Waaaahhh!!! I wanna find the paleontologist! Mama! Where’s the paleontologist???!!! It’s NOT THERE!!!”

The assertive mother in me could’ve corrected them to say that they were in fact digging for ‘fossils’. Then ironically, reasoning took over reminding me that no amount of reasoning would help calm them down. Besides, I think I was too impressed by their ability to now pick up 6 syllabic words: Pal-e-on-to-lo-gist.

There was no other choice but to just keep digging.

Keep. Digging. Damnit.

Almost two hours later we finally came across our first (synthetic) bone. Yee friggin’ ha!

As I tried to appease my little boys, risking repetitive strain injury due to the constant hammering, it became very clear to me that palaeontology was a very boring science, if a science at all.

There. I said it. Let the Ross Gellars of this world strike me down with the gigantic foot of a diplodocus.

You watch. While dinosaurs are extinct and have no chance of getting me, I know karma will.

One day, the boys will come home not wanting to be something cool like a rock star or a back up dancer for Selma Gomez (or whoever the cutie diva will be at that time) but instead have aspirations and dreams to dig bones.

Whoever said having patience pays off, have yet to buy a fossil finding kits for dinosaur obsessed twinions.

How has this parenting gig taught you patience? Did you have much of it pre-children? What do your children aspire to be at the moment?

There’s a plethora of useful and insightful posts out there that perfectly wrap up the #PBEvent 2014.

This is not going to be one of them.

But don’t click the top right cross button just yet.

While there were invaluable lessons like transforming desire to action and there were new and lasting friendships to forge, they say it’s always the first and last half of anything that people remember.

Starting the conference with the unlikely metaphor of Emmett and The Lego Movie (and I thought I had escaped my children for the weekend), Darren confessed to facing moments of feeling “just ordinary” and boy, did that make me feel relieved.

I often wonder what I’m doing with this blogging caper. Do people really give taco boraccho about what’s in my head?

Yet, I keep going. I write when I’m loved up. I write when I’m angry. I write when I’m desperately sad and just need to have a verbal vomit.

It makes me wonder: What value do my thoughts and insights have?

I guess, we’re all a little bit like Emmett in that regard. Thinking we’re all a little ordinary but for me, it took the discussions and meet ups with all the other bloggers to realise that each one of us is doing something extraordinary.

You need to be bloody brave to put yourself and your opinions out online.

I told a friend that her online shop for her clothes boutique would be even more remarkable if she had a little blog on her site; something she could share with her customers and friends about fashion, colour, texture and how that all fit into every day life.

“Who’d read that shit???” she cackled.

“Ahem! What do I do for a living???” was the prompt reply while pointing both index fingers to yours truly.

She wasn’t insulting me, or what I did but I figured out that blogging isn’t for everyone.

No matter how creative or passionate you are, you can’t blog if you think you’re going to be insignificant.

Whether you consciously believe it or not we blog because we have plenty to purge about. It does not matter a single iota if anyone or NO ONE hears us. We hold our own value in what we have to say and there is an inner belief that it will somehow benefit others.

Beliefs can only be made stronger when tested and tried. There are days I still go back lamenting what I’m doing with this blogging gig but it always comes back to asking myself:

“Why stay silent when I have this freedom of speech and expression?”

I’m a mum raising two wildfire twin boys, living a pretty ordinary, comfortable life but I know this blog of mine, with the connections made and the chance to be creatively adventurous, this platform is the springboard to the extraordinary.

Those who follow me on Instagram and Facebook may have noticed a number of photos with the hashtags #myfamilylens and #voicesof2014. These photos are part of the Olympus Sponsor Challenge that I’m participating through Kidspot Voices of 2014.

The criteria is to publish 3 posts based on certain prompts, with this third, and last based on ‘Celebrate’ (You can read my other 2 posts here and here).

Below is also a brief section about the Olympus OM-D E-M10 and how I captured special moments with it.

“You really don’t like to be alone, do you, Grace?”

My friend was not only a ball buster but also dangerously perceptive. Digging right into my vulnerabilities, her comment struck like lightening.

It was the days of being single and ambitious and a time of corporate urban chic and nothing but the successes that came with it was worth pursuing.

What really went on in my heart and head was far less glamorous.

Life was turbulent, a little dark and most often lonely. Friends and parties filled the unfulfilling dark hole. With every excuse to celebrate – my birthday, a friend’s farewell, a colleague’s work promotion, another birthday – there was the underlying denial that life could ever get lonely.

Sitting at home alone to be left with my own random thoughts was almost perilous. I didn’t need reminders of how pathetically sad and desperate I was for stability and calm.

Contentment seemed so far out of reach. Yet, knowing all along that despite spending so much time with others around me, I needed to like my own company, to get to a point of emotional balance.

That first step, to brave it alone was too terrifying.

With a diabolical track record in the love life department, there was eventually a revelation.

If it were intended for this life to be spent solo, then I better well figure out a way to enjoy it as such. Why wallow in the predetermined?

Funnily enough, the moment I had the epiphany, all revealed itself.

Yearning for companionship to a life with twin boys and immeasurable love. Bored and desolate in an empty apartment to a cosy home less than perfect but full of crazy laughter and joyous mess.

On Sunday I turned 43.

Spending the eve of my birthday on a quiet wharf, the magnificence of the Bridge kept me in awe. The activity of the water traffic – party boats, ferries, water taxis – from the zig zagging watertaxis to the laboured chugging movements of the party boats, there was plenty on the Harbour to keep me entertained.

While setting up the camera and tripod to try and capture the moments, this special gift of privacy and isolation was solely for my taking.

No wild parties or extravagant festivities for this birthday. Yet, it didn’t make the celebration of another fantastic year of life any less special or memorable.

Often a celebration is a happy ritual, willingly spent with others, preferably the ones you love and no questions asked, love you right back – your family, your friends.

That’s what a fulfilling life is about – to share it with others.

But as the waves came crashing in and precariously skimming across the still water, I thought of my friend’s comment all those years ago and how that fear of being alone can easily be overturned once we face it.

Finally achieving this sense of contentment; to no longer be afraid of the contents of my head but instead to find its warm comfort.

That itself, is something to celebrate.

About the camera:

Along with the OM-D E-M-10’s portability, and built-in WiFi features, the remote control function on the Olympus Share application makes the camera even more user friendly and a lot of fun to experiment with. The remote control doesn’t just do the stock standard timer but has all the functions, modes and settings of the camera itself. Also, it gives you a view finder, just like you were taking the photo with the phone rather than the camera.

I found it perfect to use for night photography when it was hard to see through the camera what I wanted to capture. I was able to look out then just use the remote control to take the photo. It was also the perfect way to create unique photos with friends and family.

The fishermen next to me would’ve been less than thrilled by my squeals of delight on that wharf. While they may not have caught any fish, I captured some of my own impressive photos.

Bulb:

Bulb is a function in manual mode that allowed me to make shapes out of one particular light – like a sparkler. Focusing on the light, then pressing the shutter button, I didn’t take my finger off the shutter button until I created the shape I wanted, like the love hearts and the letter “N”

Live Time:

Again, in manual mode, the Live Time function appears allows a photo to get brighter and brighter in intervals. I pressed the shutter button once then pressed it again when I felt the image has captured enough light.

Live Comp:

Another great function in manual mode, Live Comp is what I used to create the continuous lines from the boats. Again, I pressed the shutter button then pressed it again when I wanted to stop capturing the boat. For the swimming pool photo, I left Live Comp for up to 3 minutes to give that full effect of the crashing waves.

Those who follow me on Instagram and Facebook may have noticed a number of photos with the hashtags #myfamilylens and #voicesof2014. These photos are part of the Olympus Sponsor Challenge that I’m participating through Kidspot Voices of 2014.

The criteria is to publish 3 posts based on certain prompts, with this second one based on ‘Delight’ (You can read my first post from last week here).

Below is also a brief section about the Olympus OM-D E-M10 and how I captured special moments with it.

It had been a temperamental day, weather-wise. But as the afternoon wore on and the puffy, billowing clouds hovered low over, the striking beams that were fighting their way through gave hint that something magical was forming.

It seemed that I wasn’t the only one that picked up on it.

Pulling up into the driveway after picking up the twinions from daycare, Mr Surfer was already out the front waiting for our arrival with the camera in hand.

“It’s going to be a cracker of a sunset. Go! I’ll take care of the boys! You go get some shots!”

Who was I to protest?

As it donned a majestic golden curtain over Sydney Harbour, the sun decided on taking a playfully colourful spin to end the day.

As quick as countless Sydneysiders were to marvel in its spectacular beauty they were even quicker to upload it, dubbing it as the sunset that sent social media sites into meltdown.

Why does it take the sunset that almost broke the internet to remind us?

About the camera:

Now in the final leg of the #myfamilylens Challenge, I keep surprising myself as to how adventurous I’ve become with my photography!

Besides its portability that I mentioned last week, the built-in Wi-Fi functionality on the Olympus OM-D E-10 has no doubt been one of the other big pluses, allowing me to immediately transfer an image straight from the camera to my iPhone4S with the Olympus Share application.

From there, it’s an instant upload to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or a quick email/text message to a friend.

Sunset Mode (Photo #1)

The more I used this mode during that spectacular sunset, the more stupid crazy excited I got! It was amazing that despite how dark it was getting, it would optimise the sunset rays to make such clear, breathtaking photos!

Pop Art (Photo #2)

The vibrant colours you get from this Art Mode always surprised me! It always seemed to work with what lighting you had so your photo still had a natural touch to it but with the extra colour and depth.

Dramatic Tone (Photos #3 and #6):

This would have to be my favourite Art Mode to use, simply because it gave my photos extra depth. Its functionality is slightly similar to the “Lux” mode but on the Olympus OM-D-EM10, the clarity was incomparable. It was perfect in creating an even dramatic effect with overcast clouds.

Soft Focus (Photo #4)

This Art Mode is a great when you want to soften an image. It’s great for photos that have light directly pointing into the camera as it makes exposure less harsher.

Auto Mode with Vivid Settings (Photos #5 ,#9 and #10)

Loved how I could just set the camera to auto mode but there are still extra settings to give photos a clean, professional finish.

Gentle Sepia (Photo #7)

I loved using this Art Mode for old buildings like lighthouses. It just gave it that extra nostalgic feeling. There are also numerous frames to choose from allowing you to immediately add when taking the photo.

Nature Macro (Photo #8)

This is one of the 24 Scene Modes that automatically sets the camera for you so there’s no need to worry about manually doing it yourself. Perfect for shots of flowers, raindrops on grass, anything that needs extra special detail.

***The prizes for this giveaway has been kindly provided by Roadshow and Brand Meets Blog. No financial compensation was given to write this post. As always, all awesome opinions are my own***

A little while ago, a few of the Sydney based bloggers and I had the rare opportunity not only to catch up but to be invited by Roadshow to the special DVD launch of The Lego Movie with an exclusive Behind the Scenes screening.

To be completely honest, when the twinions first saw it at the cinema months earlier, they didn’t seem to be particularly interested.

I dragged my dad along who was even less so. He fell asleep. In fact, I did too. Oops.

Fast forward a month or two and we have a completely different situation.

I don’t know if it was the lush throne-like seats in the private cinema and the OMGallyoucaneatpopcorn but my little boys had the time of their lives.

Fact: Did you know it took over 15 million Lego pieces to make the movie? Good thing it didn’t happen on my lounge room floor!

Then, there was the even bigger surprise of seeing their heroes, Emmet and Lucy Wyldstyle in person!

Complete delirium! The boys literally collapsed on the floor with excitement.

A mother never knows whether to be embarrassed or amused in these moments. Perhaps, a little bit of both?

Needless to say, the Lego Movie DVD is on constant loop at home. And that song…well…that song…it’s on repeat at home, in the car…in my head.

But hey, happy twins for the win, right?

To celebrate the awesome DVD release of The Lego Movie, I have an awesome giveaway pack for one awesome reader!

***This post was written in exchange for vouchers from Menulog. All opinions expressed are my own***

There once was a time centuries ago, that the kitchen was my friend.

I couldn’t think of anything more exciting than spending a day in it and cooking up a feast of curries, fried rice and other Asian cuisine dishes.

Then, twinions came along and the closest indulgence as an avid foodie was watching Masterchef while tandem breastfeeding. No less.

Like many other families with young kids, our meals are usually bland and easy to cook so that if I go on strike, er I mean get sick, Mr Surfer can take over.

But there’s only so much of steamed carrots and broccoli I can take.

Last Saturday night, it was just me and the twinions with Mr Surfer away for a “work function”. Dem de breaks.

Screw it if I was going to cook.

Hopping on to the Menulog website for some online food delivery, I browsed for Thai Takeaway and happily discovered that among the 696 restaurants listed, our favourite was there too!

Clicking on our order, I was pleasantly surprised to see that our particular restaurant offered a 10% discount for first time orders. Bring on the extra chicken wings!

Requested the earliest possible delivery time of 5:45pm, which was great because they didn’t officially open till 5:30 but were happy to receive orders 15 minutes in. SCORE!

Received a text message to confirm the order and delivery time. A welcoming sight for hungry tummies.

Bang on 5:55pm, a friendly delivery boy came with a huge bag of Thai food goodies and a free can of soft drink. Again, SCORE!

Forget the steamed carrots and broccoli.

With dad away on a Saturday night, there’s nothing better than having steamed carrots and broccoli replaced with scrumptious Thai food delivered right to the doorstep so we can enjoy a round of “How To Train Your Dragon”

I’ve been thinking about friendships a lot lately. One in particular that has sadly reached its demise.

A collaborated past built through childhood, school, mutual friends and family. Adolescence, weddings, babies; the life changing experiences surmising a friendship’s longevity.

But if it’s no longer working (and hasn’t been for a while), why should the test of time be the only resounding reason to stick around?

Not that it should account for nothing but why should it account for everything?

Especially when that’s all that’s left, a history, when the sole standing excuse is: “But we’ve been through so much together”.

Long before marriage and in the midst of epic failing relationships, I wrote a list for what defined a life-long partner.

Even if unsure of the qualities of my ideal person , I was absolutely certain about the ones I didn’t want.

Same with friendships.

There can only be positives in perceiving what the unwanted negatives are.

As I refuse to doubt what I am capable of offering to a friend, I’m no longer willing to settle for anything less.

Effort shouldn’t be tiring

All friendships – new and old – require effort. What’s a genuine friendship without stepping into our own inconveniences to suit the needs of another.

But every friendship is an investment. Whether we expect it or not, at some point, we need to be able to dip into the savings of its bank account.

If we need to ask or wonder when there’s going to be a return, then it’s time to close the account.

Mutual respect…is it overrated?

Maybe I’m a bit of an old fashioned fool with twinges of immature high school tendencies but if I introduce someone as my best friend, I would expect that title to be honoured and well, you know, reciprocated.

Am I being over dramatic? Placing too much importance into something insignificant? I thoroughly thought this through.

And perhaps “reading too much into things” is detrimental. But certain standards and expectations in mutual respect and value shouldn’t be.

Does it still serve a purpose?

Friendships can be paths that cross when we need them most then turn at completely opposite directions. And that’s okay. At a point where there is no longer mutual benefit, why stay on the same road?

This isn’t to say that the situation is at a stalemate. Just as paths separate, sometimes they cross again.

Friendships simply reflect the fluidity of life. The past holds the memories and the lessons that get us to where we are today, to help us where we need to get to in the future.

Nothing stays the same. If it does, we’re not evolving.

And as the infamous saying goes, except death and taxes, nothing is permanent. Not even a friendship.

If you are expecting, you can enter your due date, tracking weekly milestones. Also there are helpful tips on health, diet, exercise and general well being.

I wish this app was around when I was pregnant. I would’ve saved so much time, money and freaked out moments avoiding all those outdated, overwhelming pregnancy books.

I can set daily reminders to do my little down under work out, 3 times a day for a couple of minutes. At home, in the library, while I’m having a cocktail…

If only I looked this sexy while doing them…

For one lucky reader, I have a beautiful pamper Perfect Potion package (valued at $150) to giveaway! Filled with bath, body and skin care goodies, guaranteed the organic products will get you right back to your core and feeling fabulous!

Leave a comment on this post telling me:“When was the last time your gut instinct was spot on?”

Terms and Conditions:
The name of the promotion is: Continence Foundation of Australia competition
The promoter is With Some Grace in conjunction with the Continence Foundation of Australia
The conditions of entry are:
Answer the above question
Follow With Some Grace via email
One entry per person
Employees, immediate family members, retailers, suppliers, associated companies and agencies are not eligible to enter.
The giveaway will close on Tuesday, 22nd of July at 10pm AEST. Comments submitted after this time will not be considered for the giveaway.
This is a game of skill. The winner will be awarded based on the strength of their answer to the question {insert question}
The prize will be in the form of product which will be sent to the winner once address details have been provided after the competition has closed.
The results of the giveaway will be published on this site on Thursday, 24th of July, 2014.
Prizes are not redeemable for cash and are non-transferable
The total prize value $150
The competition is open to Australian residents only.
If for any reason beyond the Promoter’s control the agreed prize is not available a product of equal or greater value will be provided.
The Promoter is not responsible for prizes once they have been dispatched to the winner.

About Me…

Indonesian-born, Grace spent extensive time living and working overseas, primarily in Japan. She now resides in Sydney where she is mum to identical twin boys and wife to an avid surfer. While she has happily replaced office life with motherhood, Grace has discovered that a 10 year career in corporate sales and being fluent in 3 languages is futile when dealing with toddler tantrums and singing “The Wheels On The Bus”